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Graduate Research Assistant Jobs in Springfield, IL

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Graduate Research Assistant information

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$6

$19

$30

How much do graduate research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research assistant in Springfield, IL is $19.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.76 and $22.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Graduate Research Assistant vs Research Intern?

AspectGraduate Research AssistantResearch Intern
Required CredentialsGraduate degree (Master's or Ph.D.) often requiredUndergraduate or graduate students, less formal credentials needed
Work EnvironmentAcademic or research institution, often part of a universityResearch labs, industry, or academic settings, usually temporary
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, government agenciesCorporations, research firms, academic labs

In summary, a Graduate Research Assistant typically holds a graduate degree and works within academic or research institutions, focusing on long-term research projects. In contrast, a Research Intern is often a student or early-career individual gaining practical experience, usually on a temporary basis in various research settings.

What challenges do graduate research assistants face when balancing research projects with coursework?

Graduate Research Assistants often juggle multiple responsibilities, including research tasks, coursework, and sometimes teaching duties. Time management is a frequent challenge, as research projects may have unpredictable workloads or urgent deadlines that overlap with academic requirements. Clear communication with your advisor and setting realistic expectations can help manage these demands. Many assistants find that developing strong organizational skills and seeking support from peers or mentors aids in maintaining a healthy balance between research and academic obligations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a graduate research assistant?

To thrive as a Graduate Research Assistant, you need a solid academic background in your field, strong analytical skills, and experience with research methodologies. Proficiency with data analysis software (such as SPSS, R, or MATLAB), literature databases, and possibly laboratory equipment is often required. Excellent organization, attention to detail, and strong communication skills set candidates apart in collaborative research environments. These skills are essential for producing high-quality research, meeting project deadlines, and contributing effectively to academic teams.

What is a graduate research assistant?

Graduate Research Assistants (GRAs) are graduate students who work under the supervision of faculty members to assist with academic research projects. Their responsibilities can include data collection, literature reviews, conducting experiments, analyzing results, and helping to prepare research publications or presentations. These positions often provide students with hands-on experience in their field of study and may offer a stipend or tuition waiver as compensation. GRAs play a crucial role in advancing university research while developing skills for future academic or professional careers.

What does a graduate research assistant do?

A graduate research assistant supports faculty or research teams by conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, reviewing literature, and preparing reports or presentations. They often work in laboratories or academic settings, using specialized tools and methods relevant to their field of study. This role typically requires strong research skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with relevant software or equipment.

Can you be a graduate research assistant with a master's degree?

Yes, a master's degree is often sufficient to qualify for a graduate research assistant position, which typically requires strong research skills, familiarity with relevant tools, and coursework in the field. Some positions may prefer or require additional qualifications such as a related bachelor's degree or specific certifications.

Is being a graduate research assistant worth it?

A graduate research assistant position provides valuable research experience, skills in data analysis and academic writing, and networking opportunities within a university environment. However, it often involves a low stipend and requires balancing work with coursework, so its worth depends on individual career goals and financial needs.
More about Graduate Research Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Research jobs in Springfield, IL? The most popular types of Graduate Research jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Springfield, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Graduate Research Assistant jobs? Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Graduate Research Assistant job openings:
Graduate Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Research Assistant job openings in Springfield, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,842 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Scientific Research Assistant - Temporary/Part-time (5710)

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine

Springfield, IL • On-site

$15 - $16.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Salary: $15.00 - $16.50 Hourly
Location : Springfield, IL
Job Type: Extra Help
Job Number: 2402238
Department: Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology-SMS
Division: N/A
Opening Date: 08/07/2026
Closing Date: 8/10/2026 2:00 PM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Non-Represented
Shift: Days
ExemptorNon_Exempt: Non-Exempt
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Description
The lab only has graduate students so this position will help with day to day processes. Washing glassware, analyzing data and taking inventory of lab supplies. This allows the graduate students to attend class, study and work on their dissertation projects.
This position assists the Graduate students as they work towards their degrees and publications of their graduate work. If the lab does not have sterilized glassware, supplies or analyzed data this will delay manuscripts, new external funding and the graduation of the graduate students.
*This position is ON SITE only*
Examples of Duties
Lab Supplies inventory, tissue sample cutting and staining and glassware washing an autoclaving
Qualifications
1) Must be currently enrolled as a college student. If appointment is to be made during the summer months, individual must show transcript or grade slip verification that s/he was enrolled during the spring semester immediately prior to the appointment (a student ID card is not sufficient.); AND
2) Must have successfully completed no less than 30 semester hours of college coursework, with at least one course in the field of science or biology with related laboratory training; AND
3) Must be 18 years of age or older.
Supplemental Information
If you require assistance, please contact the Office of Human Resources at or call 217-545-0223 Monday through Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm.
The mission of Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is to optimize the health of the people of central and southern Illinois through education, patient care, research and service to the community.
The SIU School of Medicine Annual Security Report is available online at This report contains policy statements and crime statistics for Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, IL. This report is published in compliance with Federal Law titled the
"Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act."
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer who provides equal employment and educational opportunities for all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, protected veteran status or marital status in accordance with local, state and federal law.
Pre-employment background screenings required.
Paid time off: Includes 12 paid holidays per year. Accrual rates vary based on employment type and years of service
Paid sick time: Use for personal illness, doctor visits, or if your immediate family members fall ill
Health, Dental, and Life insurance
Optional life insurance: Your spouse and dependents can enroll in State term life and university-sponsored term life insurance.
Prescription: Plan participants enrolled in any state health plan have prescription drug benefits included in the coverage.
Long-term Disability Insurance
Flexible spending accounts: Optional, IRS tax-favored program that enables you to stretch medical expenses and dependent care dollars
Voluntary retirement accounts: Optional plans include the State of Illinois Deferred Compensation Plan (457) and Tax Deferred Annuity (403b).
Tuition Waiver/Tuition Reimbursement: Continue your graduate or undergraduate education with the help of tuition waivers or tuition reimbursement
Leaves of absence: Includes FMLA and Extended Sick Leave Benefits for qualified employees
Employee Assistance Program: Access free and confidential support, including counseling services, and information during difficult times
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